There is something truly magical about the Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe that captures the very essence of cozy, crisp fall afternoons. This cake marries warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the rich, caramel-sweet goodness of dulce de leche, creating a moist, flavorful treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking it for a special gathering or a comforting weekend indulgence, this cake’s texture and taste bring all the best parts of autumn right into your kitchen, making each bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe, you only need a handful of well-chosen ingredients that play essential roles. Each one brings a unique flavor or texture that harmonizes perfectly, making the baking process straightforward yet rewarding.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s structure and ensures a tender crumb.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise for a soft, fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Balances acidity and aids in leavening for a light bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy depth that defines the autumn feel.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Delivers a gentle nutty flavor that complements the spices.
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a subtle, fragrant kick that elevates the spice blend.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Creates rich moisture and a tender crumb.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Lends caramel notes and enhances the cake’s moisture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to the cake’s light texture.
- 3 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure and richness to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses sweet aromatic flavor for depth.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and slight tang, ensuring a tender crumb.
- 1 cup dulce de leche (plus more for drizzling): The star ingredient that lends its luscious caramel flavor throughout.
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans (optional): Offers crunch and a wonderful nutty contrast.
- Whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for topping (optional): Adds a creamy element, perfect for finishing the cake.
How to Make Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature once your batter is ready. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your cake releases easily after baking and helps maintain its beautiful shape.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Combining these spices with the dry ingredients uniformly distributes the warm flavors throughout the cake, so each bite is perfectly spiced and tender.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, which helps create a soft and airy texture essential to this exquisite cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract afterward. These steps build richness and depth of flavor that complement the spices and dulce de leche beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture in three additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined to keep the batter light and prevent overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
Step 6: Fold in Dulce de Leche and Pecans
Gently fold in the dulce de leche and toasted pecans if you’re using them. For easier mixing, warming the dulce de leche slightly beforehand works wonders. The pockets of rich caramel throughout the batter make this cake truly stand out.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the cake to set perfectly.
How to Serve Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple drizzle of extra dulce de leche over the cooled cake amps up the decadence, while a dollop of whipped cream or a swipe of cream cheese frosting adds luscious creaminess. For a festive touch, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans on top to add texture and nutty warmth.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with warm spiced cider or a steaming cup of rich coffee, making the perfect autumn dessert duo. The warm beverages help balance the sweetness and enrich the comforting spices of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or a sprinkle of edible autumn leaves made from fondant. You can also layer the cake with thin apple slices in between for an elegant twist that amplifies the seasonal vibes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining its moist texture and spice-infused flavor for whenever you crave a slice.
Freezing
You can freeze slices individually by wrapping them well and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cake lasts about 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying your Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe again.
Reheating
If you like your cake slightly warm, pop a slice into the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm it gently in a low oven. The heat softens the dulce de leche and revives the spices, making each bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, with some substitutions! Use a plant-based butter and replace buttermilk with a mix of almond or oat milk plus a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. The texture might differ slightly, but the warm spice profile and dulce de leche flavor will still shine.
What is the best way to warm the dulce de leche?
Gently warm dulce de leche in a microwave-safe bowl in short 15-second bursts, stirring in between, or warm it in a small saucepan over low heat. This softens it for easier folding into the batter without losing its caramel richness.
Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?
Absolutely! Store-bought dulce de leche works perfectly here. Just be sure to use good-quality dulce de leche for the richest, creamiest flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own at home for a personalized touch.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The foolproof test is inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, your cake needs more time in the oven.
Can I add other nuts or leave out nuts entirely?
Yes, feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch, or leave nuts out altogether if you prefer. The cake’s moist texture and caramel-spiced flavor stand strong with or without nuts.
Final Thoughts
This Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe is truly one of those special treats you’ll want to share and savor all season long. Its perfect balance of warm spices, rich caramel, and tender crumb brings a cozy feeling to any occasion or quiet moment. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite fall dessert!
Print
Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Autumn Embrace Dulce de Leche Cake is a delightful fall dessert featuring warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It combines moist cake layers rich with dulce de leche and toasted pecans, topped with a creamy whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, perfect for cozy gatherings and seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup dulce de leche (plus more for drizzling)
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans
- Whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter along with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in three portions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Dulce de Leche and Pecans: Carefully fold in the 1 cup of dulce de leche and the chopped toasted pecans if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack and let it cool completely.
- Serve: Drizzle additional dulce de leche on top before serving. Optionally, garnish with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- For easier mixing, warm the dulce de leche slightly before folding it into the batter.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with spiced cider or coffee, enhancing the autumn flavors.
